How to Support Someone in the Hospital: Advocate, Be Present, and Provide Comfort

When a loved one is admitted to the hospital, your role becomes crucial. While being there for them is essential, the approach you take can significantly impact their recovery experience. Here are some guidelines on how you can support your loved one effectively in the hospital.

The Role of an Advocate

The best thing you can do for your loved one is to be their advocate. This is especially important when your loved one is either unable or unwilling to act as their own strong and informed advocate. Your role as a patient advocate is to ensure your loved one's rights are protected, understand their medical treatment options, and communicate effectively with healthcare providers.

Steps to Be an Effective Advocate:

Assist in understanding the medical information provided by the healthcare team. Ask questions and clarify any doubts regarding the patient's diagnosis, treatment plan, and medical records. Help the patient navigate through the healthcare system, including understanding insurance and billing. Stay on top of medical appointments and tests and ensure they are attended in a timely manner. Act on the patient's behalf in matters that require quick decision-making.

Being Present and Patient

Another critical aspect of supporting a loved one in the hospital is being there with loving kindness and patience. Sometimes, it might feel overwhelming and draining, especially if you are also dealing with your own personal commitments. Here are some ways to stay present and supportive:

Practical Tips for Being Present:

Listen actively and provide emotional support. Sometimes, the patient just needs someone to talk to. Juggle your time effectively. If you must visit, try to visit during breaks in the day when the patient might be more alert and receptive. Congratulate the patient on small victories and acknowledge their feelings and emotions. Plan visits to be short and sweet, especially if the patient is very tired or weak.

Providing Special Comfort Measures

In addition to being there physically, offering special comfort measures can help improve the patient's overall well-being. Nurses, patient care technicians (PCTs), and aides often have many patients to care for, and they may not always have the time to provide personalized attention. Here are some comfort measures you can help with:

Show appreciation for the staff's efforts and thank them for their care. Help maintain the patient's hygiene, such as helping with hair washing or brushing teeth. Read books, play music, or watch movies with the patient to keep them company and distracted from pain. Bring in amenities like fresh flowers, blankets, or personal items to create a homier environment. Offer to help with small tasks like answering the phone or writing letters for the patient.

When Less is More

While being present in the hospital is generally beneficial, there are instances where it might be best to limit your visits. For example, if the patient is very ill or just underwent surgery, their energy levels might be extremely low, and simple tasks like talking can be exhausting. Here's how to handle such situations:

Use phone calls or video chats if visiting is too tiring for the patient. Limit your visits to a few minutes, even if the patient seems engaged. Tiredness can be sudden and unpredictable, and forcing the patient to stay alert can be harmful. Be mindful of the patient's energy levels and emotional state. If a five-minute visit is too much, adapt and adjust your visit accordingly.

Conclusion

Supporting a loved one in the hospital is a multifaceted task that requires empathy, patience, and dedication. By being their advocate, being present, and providing special comfort measures, you can make a significant difference in their recovery process. Whether you are speaking up for their rights, offering emotional support, or helping with small tasks, your role is invaluable. Remember, it's also important to respect the patient's limits and be flexible in your support.